Athens (Piraeus) - Paros
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Athens (Piraeus) - Paros
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros are operated by 2 ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. The crossing typically takes around 3 hours 45 minutes. There are currently 28 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $47. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Paros today.
There's something special about arriving in the Cyclades by sea. Traveling by ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros, you'll watch the islands rise out of the deep blue Aegean, their whitewashed villages catching the sun as you approach the shore.
The journey is part of the experience. Step out on deck to feel the sea breeze and take in the open horizon, letting the pace slow down before you even arrive. Ferries give you room to relax and enjoy the crossing, along with the freedom to bring your car or extra luggage for the trip.
Tip: The Cyclades are at their liveliest in summer, so booking your Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry ahead of time helps you lock in your preferred sailing and start your island getaway just as you planned.
Fares between Athens (Piraeus) and Paros vary with the season and the type of vessel — the high-speed catamarans that link the Cyclades are usually quicker but pricier than the conventional ferries, so it's worth comparing both.
Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry prices typically range from $47 to $554. The average ferry price from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros is around $234. The cheapest fares usually start from $47. The average foot passenger ticket costs $223. The average price when traveling with a car is $548.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route, and sailing time. Please be aware that pricing data excludes service fees and is based on searches from the last 30 days. This was last updated July 26.
The cheapest tickets on the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry cost approximately $47. Traveling outside the July and August peak, when the islands are busiest, is one of the easiest ways to find a lower fare.
Direct Ferries makes it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, so you can find the best deal for your journey. Please visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is typically the most reliable way to secure lower fares and better availability, especially for summer sailings to the Cyclades.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process: simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Resident discounts are available on some routes. If they apply to the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry, a residents checkbox will appear above the search button when you enter your travel details. You'll need to show valid proof of residency at check-in — if you can't, the ferry company may ask you to pay the difference for a non-discounted ticket. Everyone on the booking must qualify for the discount; if not, it's best to make separate bookings.
There are around 28 weekly sailings from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros. Frequencies are at their highest across the summer season, when the Cyclades are busiest, and ease off in winter.
Blue Star Ferries provide 2 sailings daily, 14 sailings weekly. SeaJets provide 3 sailings daily, 14 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros usually departs at around 06:45, with the last sailing leaving Athens (Piraeus) Port at approximately 17:30. The crossing covers roughly 102.0 nautical miles and takes around 3 hours 45 minutes on average, though the high-speed services can be quicker.
Due to the longer crossing time, ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Paros are generally better suited to a longer island stay than a day trip. For ideas on the best things to do in Paros, please visit our blog.
Many Cyclades routes are served by fast catamarans alongside the conventional ferries. The fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros is with SeaJets in 2 hours 40 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros usually cost around $234. In peak season, the time saved can be well worth it, when demand for the islands is at its highest.
Yes. In the Cyclades, cars travel on the conventional car ferries rather than the high-speed passenger catamarans, so choose a standard sailing if you're bringing a vehicle. Cars are carried by Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets on the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros route. Use our Deal Finder to compare live car-ferry prices.
Yes, you can take a campervan or caravan on the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry, for an average of around $454. As with cars, campervans travel on the conventional ferries, so book a standard sailing and check your vehicle's height and length against the operator's limits.
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on ferries sailing between Athens (Piraeus) and Paros.
Yes, foot passengers are welcome from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. Traveling on foot is the most common way to island-hop around the Cyclades, particularly on the fast catamarans.
Yes, cabins can be booked from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets, ranging from $47 to $1459, with an average of $237. Cabins are most common on the longer overnight crossings to the more distant Cyclades; the shorter daytime hops are usually seat-only.
Some Cyclades routes, particularly to the more distant islands, include overnight or late-night sailings, while the shorter hops run through the day. Enter your travel details in our search bar to see whether an overnight option is available on the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry, alongside daytime alternatives. Overnight crossings can take a little longer than the daytime services.
Yes, pets are welcome on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. The average price for traveling with a pet is around $415. Greek island ferries are generally pet-friendly, though the rules vary by vessel.
When traveling with your pet, you'll usually need:
Where your pet stays depends on the operator and vessel — some ferries have dedicated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins, while on others pets stay with you in designated spots. Our Deal Finder shows the options for your crossing.
Greek island ferries are relaxed about luggage compared with airlines, and most fares let you bring what you can comfortably carry on board, with racks near the entrances. It's still worth checking your operator's policy for larger or extra items, particularly on the high-speed catamarans where space is tighter. Enter your travel details into our search bar to see the options on the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry is a domestic crossing within Greece, so there's no immigration check for the sailing itself — one of the things that makes island-hopping around the Cyclades so easy. If you're traveling to Greece from abroad, you'll need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and Greece's entry rules. As Greece is part of the EU and the Schengen Area, the exact requirements depend on where you're traveling from.
It's a good idea to keep photo ID handy for check-in, as you may be asked to show it when collecting tickets or boarding. To keep things quick, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide before you sail.
Booking your Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry is very simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. In the Cyclades, you'll often find both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries on the same route, so you can weigh speed against price and pick what suits your trip.
Look out for early-booking deals and special ticket types such as upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To keep booking smooth, always enter accurate passenger numbers and vehicle details.
The earlier you book ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros, the better — especially for July and August, when the Cyclades are at their busiest and popular sailings fill up well in advance. Booking ahead secures lower prices and a wider choice of departure times, seating and cabins. Outside the summer peak there's more availability, though schedules thin out over winter.
If no sailings from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros appear on your chosen date, it may come down to the season — many Cyclades services run more often in summer and scale back in winter — or to a temporary timetable change. Occasionally, strong summer meltemi winds can disrupt the fast catamarans, which are more weather-sensitive than the larger conventional ferries. We recommend checking alternative dates, nearby routes, or a conventional sailing if a fast ferry isn't running.
After completing your booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you have booked with.
Some operators provide boarding passes at the time of booking, while others require check-in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located near the terminal entrance. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow enough time for ticket collection and check-in, particularly at the busy Athens ports in high season.
At check-in, you'll need to present your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're traveling with a pet, relevant documentation such as vaccination records may also be required.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $49 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $49 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $47 |
| Car | $193 |
| Cabin | $47 |
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Paros Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $223 | |
| Average Price with Car | $548 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $170 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $237 | |
| Athens (Piraeus) - Paros Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Athens |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets |
| Average Price | $234 |
| Average Pet Price | $415 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 4 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 28 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 3 h 45 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2 h 40 m |
| First Ferry | 06:45 |
| Last Ferry | 17:30 |
| Distance | 102 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2026.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry offers a range of onboard facilities and accommodation options depending on which operator and vessel you travel with. With a crossing time of 2 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 50 minutes, comfort and onboard amenities are something worth considering, particularly on longer Blue Star Ferries sailings.
The most budget-friendly seating option, available across all operators. Perfectly adequate for the faster SeaJets crossing of around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and a sensible choice for daytime travel on any operator when you want to keep costs down.
Standard assigned seating available on SeaJets high-speed ferries, with air-conditioned indoor lounges. Please note that high-speed catamarans do not usually have open deck access during the crossing.
Available on Blue Star Ferries, with access to spacious open-air deck areas. A popular choice for daytime crossings as it offers scenic views of the Aegean, especially around sunset.
Private windowless cabins available exclusively on Blue Star Ferries vessels. Options include 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bed private cabins as well as shared cabin berths. This is a practical option for overnight or late-evening sailings after a long day of traveling.
Private cabins with a porthole or window, the premium accommodation option on this route. Available on Blue Star Ferries and strongly recommended for overnight Piraeus to Paros ferry sailings for both comfort and seasickness mitigation.
Available with SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries, offering enhanced seating comfort, additional space, and a more premium crossing experience for travelers who prefer priority service.
Full restaurant and café facilities are available on Blue Star Ferries vessels, serving hot meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Available on SeaJets high-speed services, offering drinks, coffee, and light refreshments for the shorter crossing.
Available on Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels with panoramic views across the Aegean. High-speed catamarans do not typically offer open deck access during the crossing.
Blue Star Ferries and most operators on this route accommodate cars, motorcycles, and campervans on ro-ro car decks. Passengers leave their vehicles during the crossing and move to passenger cabin or deck areas for the duration of the crossing.
Available for purchase on most ferries operating on this route. Check with your specific operator for availability and applicable charges.
Children's entertainment areas and designated luggage storage are available on Blue Star Ferries larger vessels.
Piraeus is the largest passenger ferry port in Europe and the primary departure port for ferries to the Cyclades from Athens. Ferries to Paros usually depart from gates E6, E7, E9, and E10, located at the far end of the terminal building. Gate assignments can change, so always verify your departure gate on your booking confirmation and check the electronic display boards at the port on the day of travel. The port is located approximately 12 km southwest of Athens city center.
The Green Line (Line 1) connects Piraeus station directly to central Athens (Monastiraki, Omonia) in approximately 30 minutes. From the metro station, gates E6–E10 are a 10–15-minute walk along the waterfront, though this can take longer if you are traveling with heavy luggage.
Taxis from central Athens cost approximately $20–$30 and take around 20–30 minutes outside of rush hour. From Athens Airport, a taxi to Piraeus takes approximately 45–60 minutes and costs around $55–$65. We recommend booking a private transfer during peak season when there are longer queues for taxis at the airport.
A direct suburban rail service connects Athens Airport to Piraeus station in approximately 65 minutes, which is the most cost-effective option for travelers arriving by air and heading directly to the ferry port.
Boarding: As a general rule of thumb, it's best to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. As Piraeus is a large port, please allow sufficient time to locate your specific departure gate, as the gates are spread over a long waterfront with significant walking distances between them.
All ferries from Piraeus arrive at Parikia Port, the main ferry terminal located directly in the capital of Paros on the west coast of the island. The port is situated in the heart of Parikia town, with cafés, restaurants, the famous Paros windmill, and the whitewashed lanes of Parikia old town all within a few minutes' walk.
During the peak summer months of July and August, Parikia Port can handle more than 20 passenger ferry arrivals and departures per day, making it one of the busiest ports in Greece. The port area has a wide range of facilities including ticket offices, ATMs, a bus station, a taxi rank, car rental agencies, and a supermarket.
The KTEL bus station in Paros is located just meters from the ferry terminal, immediately to the right as you leave the port. Local buses call at all the main villages and beaches including Naoussa, Lefkes, Platis Gialos, Piso Livadi, Pounda (for the Antiparos ferry), and the airport. Tickets for the bus are purchased at the bus station kiosk or from the driver on board.
A taxi rank is located directly across from the passenger terminal inside the port area. Taxis are available but limited in number and can be very difficult to secure during peak summer arrivals when multiple ferries dock simultaneously. Pre-booking a transfer through your accommodation is strongly recommended in July and August.
Parikia town center is adjacent to the port, where you can find hotels, restaurants, the Church of Panagia Ekatondapiliani, the archaeological museum, and the main promenade. This is incredibly convenient for foot passengers who are transporting heavy luggage.
Several agencies operate from within the port area and in central Parikia. Pre-booking in advance is strongly recommended in July and August when availability is limited across the island.
Please be aware that ferry operators may use different docking berths within Parikia Port depending on vessel type and tidal conditions. It's always best to confirm your exact departure berth on your booking confirmation before travel.
Pet owners will be pleased to know that pets are allowed on ferries from Piraeus to Paros with Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets. As this is a domestic Greek route, documentation requirements are very straightforward.
As Athens and Paros are both within Greece and the EU, an EU pet passport is the standard required document. This document confirms your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, and is required by ferry operators on this domestic Greek route.
Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the EU pet passport. Ensure all vaccinations are current and documented before travel.
Your pet must be microchipped in compliance with ISO standards. The microchip must have been implanted before, or on the same day as, the first rabies vaccination.
Passengers traveling with pets must declare their animal at the time of ticket booking. For dogs, cats, and ferrets, a valid rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory. Every passenger can travel with a maximum of 5 pets, all vaccinated and with a valid health book. Travel companions must follow boarding procedures and are responsible for the animal's care, safety, and hygiene throughout the journey.
An EU pet passport is a uniform document that certifies your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, required for travel between EU member states. It is issued by a licensed veterinarian in any EU country and serves as the definitive record of your pet's health and travel eligibility on domestic and international routes.
On most Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferries, small pets weighing under 10 may remain with their owner in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs over 10 kg must wear a leash and muzzle in common areas and are typically required to use the kennels provided onboard or remain in the vehicle.
There are designated pet areas available on Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels, making them the better choice for pet owners on the longer crossing. Travel with pets is free of charge on most operators. Please confirm the operator's specific pet policy at the time of booking as conditions vary by vessel.
Passengers with reduced mobility traveling on the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros ferry route should contact their operator directly at the time of booking to arrange appropriate assistance. The conventional vessels with Blue Star Ferries are the best option for passengers with mobility requirements on this route, while SeaJets high-speed catamarans may present more limited accessibility due to their more compact vessel design.
Blue Star Ferries vessels feature adapted cabins with wider doorways and grab rails, suitable for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility. These must be requested and confirmed at the time of booking to guarantee availability.
Blue Star Ferries offer more accessible passenger areas, with step-free or ramped access to main lounges and some outdoor deck spaces. High-speed catamarans from SeaJets have more restricted access between deck levels.
Passengers with reduced mobility are usually given priority boarding ahead of general passengers. Please contact your operator in advance to have this arranged as Piraeus gates E6–E10 can be very congested during peak summer departures.
Staff assistance boarding and disembarking is available upon request. This is particularly relevant at Piraeus where the E-gate area can be busy, and at Parikia Port where simultaneous arrivals during peak season can make the terminal congested.
Passengers traveling with a car who have mobility needs may in some cases be permitted to remain closer to their vehicle during the crossing. However, this must be confirmed with your operator beforehand.
It's best to notify your operator of any accessibility or special assistance requirements at the time of booking rather than at the port. Provisions vary by vessel and advance notice ensures the right arrangements are in place. You can also contact Direct Ferries customer support for guidance on accessible ferry options on the Athens (Piraeus) to Paros route.
We recommend that you reserve tickets at least 4–6 weeks in advance for any sailings between June and September. Paros is one of the most visited islands in Greece and the ferry from Athens is very popular, so tickets sell out very quickly during peak season. If you are traveling with a vehicle, book as early as possible as car deck space is limited and fills up well ahead of passenger seats.
Plan to arrive at Piraeus Port at least 45–60 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. Ferries to Paros depart from gates E6–E10 so please allow time to walk from the metro station to your gate, particularly if you are traveling with heavy luggage.
Some Blue Star Ferries sailings from Piraeus to Paros stop at Syros, Tinos, and Mykonos before reaching Paros, adding significantly to the total crossing time.
SeaJets is the fastest at approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, which is ideal for island-hoppers on a tight schedule or day-trippers. Blue Star Ferries takes approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes on direct sailings but offers cabins, open decks, a restaurant, and the best vehicle transport, making it a great choice anyone traveling with a car.
If you are traveling on an overnight service with Blue Star Ferries, a cabin is strongly recommended for comfort. Inside cabins are the more affordable option, whereas outside cabins with a porthole offer sea views and are the premium choice for a restful overnight ferry crossing.
Keep your passport or EU ID card, pet documentation, and any discount eligibility proof readily accessible at check-in. Although this is a domestic Greek route, ID is required for boarding all ferries.
High-speed and conventional ferries offer very different experiences and prices on this route. Use Direct Ferries to view all operators, crossing times, and live prices side by side before booking your Athens to Paros ferry.
The Aegean between Piraeus and the Cyclades can be affected by strong winds in July and August. High-speed catamarans can be delayed or cancelled in particularly rough conditions. If you have an important onward connection or are prone to seasickness, Blue Star Ferries are the more reliable option.
Parikia Port is one of the best hubs in the Cyclades for island-hopping. From Paros you can sail to Naxos in 30 minutes, Mykonos in 1–2 hours, Santorini in 2–3 hours, Sifnos in 1–2 hours, Ios, and many more. Planning your wider Cyclades itinerary around a Paros is one of the most efficient approaches to Greek island-hopping.
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